Stitch Fix Clothing Subscription Box Review – March 2017

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Stitch Fix is a monthly clothing and styling subscription service. When you sign up you take a pretty in-depth survey about your sizes, your style, and pricing preferences. After choosing when you’d like to receive your delivery, your stylist handpicks 5 items based on your preferences. The fee for this service is $20, and that includes free shipping and free returns. And if you keep any of the items they send you, you get to deduct the $20 fee from the total. (If you keep all five items, you also get a 25% discount!)

My items are reflective of my style and price preferences, so your Stitch Fix may be completely different!

My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

This is my second month trying Stitch Fix, so I was happy to once again receive an envelope filled with my invoice, instructions, and more info about the company.

This is my invoice sheet. It lists the prices per item and the discount I’d receive by keeping all 5 items. With the 25% discount and my $20 styling fee factored in, this box would cost me a total of $221.50 to keep everything – an average of $44 per item and a total discount of $105.50.

For anything you plan to return, Stitch Fix instructs you to complete a checkout process online so they know what to expect coming back, and it also allows you to provide feedback about the items. They include a USPS prepaid mailing bag in your box too. You just pack up the items you don’t want and drop the bag off at your post office. Last month, I left the bag for my mail carrier and they picked it up! So convenient!

Each box comes with cards with styling suggestions for every piece, plus a little note from your stylist. This was by far the most helpful piece of info in the box because it inspired outfits I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise!

41Hathorn Kershner Mock Neck Blouse – Cost to keep: $64

The first item I tried on is this red chiffon top. My favorite part of the blouse is the crocheted mock neck. It purposely fits a bit wide but stands up on its own despite being really lightweight. Overall this top fits big, which is a bummer. If I keep this, I will definitely need to tuck it in, since as you can see, the hem is uneven.

I’ve been timid to try the mock neck keyhole trend, but I really like that this keyhole is modest.

There is a neck tie in the back, along with a deeper keyhole than in the front. Depsite the two keyholes, I feel comfortable with the amount of skin showing.

Pixley Robyn Printed Midi Skirt – Cost to keep: $58

When I first opened my box, I was immediately drawn to this piece first. And I absolutely love that in reading the note from my stylist, she wrote that she included this item after looking at my Pinterest inspiration board. I took her styling advice and paired it with the red blouse, which I could see myself wearing to the office, and then to dinner afterward.

Despite loving the symmetrical pattern, I couldn’t get past the polyester knit fabric this skirt is made from. It’s not breathable and can’t see myself wearing this during warmer months. It’s also very long, which I normally don’t mind, but in this case doesn’t look flattering.

Here’s a closer look at the patterned knit.

Nine Britton Andria Bell Sleeve Top – Cost to keep: $58

The second top in this month’s Stitch Fix is this crepe-ish floral boho top. I really did not care for the pattern or fit – I feel like I’m swimming in unflattering floral. This is a style I may have reached for a few years ago, but this is definitely not my current style and to be honest, my fix goes downhill from here.

The shoulder and arms have sections of a similar colored crochet, which is pretty, but not enough for me to consider keep this top.

This top also has a dramatic bell sleeve and elastic waist band, which results in the blouse’s hem tucking under.

Liverpool Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean – Cost: $78

I paired the floral top with these skinny jeans. However, I would consider them a better quality jegging, as there is an elastic waist, no button or zipper fly, and the pockets are faux as well. The wash is nice and they are a heavier weight than your typical jegging. So much so, that I really didn’t think they were going to fit as I was putting them on. However, once on, they were tight, but wearable.

Here’s a look at the waist, faux pockets, and faux fly. I pretty much live in denim, so I am super particular in what I invest in. Despite the convenience of being able to slip these on, I can not justify spending $78 on a pair of jeans that are missing pockets and a proper opening.

41Hawthorn Marsh Mixed Media Blouse – Cost to keep: $64

The last top in this month’s Stitch Fix box is another style from 41Hawthorn. This is by far my least favorite item. It has a wrapped front with a built-in camisole and ruched side. Before trying the blouse on, I kept comparing it to knitted ruched tops that were popular like ten years ago. And once on, I couldn’t help but feel aged by the cut and details.

The wrap gathers and ruches to one side. The hem hits just above my hips and I think the top could be worn with skinny denim or also tucked into a skirt.

Here’s a little peek at the camisole underlayer.

I think it’s a bit of stretch to call this a mixed media blouse. Yes, the back is a lightweight, almost flimsy black knit compared to a heavier polyester knit on the front. However, I think saying “mixed media” is a trendy way to cover the fact that a cheaper material was used to construct the back of this blouse.

Verdict: I was super hopeful for this month’s Stitch Fix since I provided feedback on what I liked and disliked last month. However, this box was an overall disappointment and I do not foresee keeping any of the five items. I sincerely want to thank you for all your comments on your initial experiences with Stitch Fix! It helps me to remain excited to continue trying this service, despite a lackluster start.

Overall, the $20 monthly styling fee (which also includes free shipping and returns) is a low-risk way of shopping for clothes in the comfort of your home.

Sara received a gift subscription to Birchbox in 2013 and has been intrigued by (ok, obsessed with) discovery and fashion boxes ever since. Her basset hound, Oliver, is a huge fan of Barkbox, too.

All views in this review are the opinion of the author. My Subscription Addiction will never accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain affiliate/referral links. If you buy something, MSA may earn an affiliate commission. Read the complete My Subscription Addiction disclosure.

52 Comments

EvelynApril 10, 2017 at 5:18 am

I have hated both my stitchfixes. I also received those exact Liverpool jeggings. They fit pretty well but I sent them back and found the same brand new pair on eBay for 20 bucks. They are definitely recycling out of date and low quality merchandise, and the styles are so frumpy. Not for me. Cancelling after today.

In my opinion all of your tops were one size too big. Look at where the shirts hit you at the shoulder. I think you would look great in the red shirt if you got a smaller size plus it might be better made.

Hi-Thank you for this upfront review – I have been curious about this service. But, on to more important things – I want the shoes that you are wearing in the red blouse and knit skirt photo! Where did you get them, what brand, etc.?????

I guess I am in the minority here because I really love my Stitchfix. Just so you know you can exchange for sizes when you check out. That red top was amazing on you!! Also I admit I have had a couple of jeans rips after only a few uses and all I do is email them and they have always refunded what I paid no questions asked. I hope your fixes get better from here!!

I’m with you, Patricia. I love Stitch Fix! I’ve had the same stylist since I joined about 18 months ago. That continuity has allowed her to build me a wardrobe, not just make outfits. She helped me find my personal style. She’s made notes of her own, beyond what fits on the web site, that I think contribute to her extraordinary attention to detail. She’s very picky about fit as she doesn’t want me to have to use a tailor. I wonder if getting so lucky with the perfect stylist right out of the chute is why I’m so happy with the service.

I have a love/hate relationship w/ Stitch Fix. I’ll go a couple months where I don’t like anything in my box, and right when I’m about to unsubscribe, they absolutely nail it and I love everything. I do notice, they’ll throw in what is often called “an investment piece” which usually looks amazing, but is also over $100 which kind of annoys me. I do however like how they have got me out of my comfort zone several times, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. When I think of my closet, most of my favorite pieces are from Stitch fix, hence the love/hate relationship.

I love a couple pieces I kept from Stitch Fix. However, a lot of stuff they sell has been clearanced from other retailers seasons ago!!! And Liverpool…the jeggings that consistently rip…at a retail price? Nope. Nope. I use SF to find a new fun piece for the season but I would never use them to build my closet.

Awesome review Sara! My biggest pet peeve about MSA is its relentlessly positive reviews. For example, I don’t need to read “This sweater itches like the devil and is a hideous color, but I’m sure I can gift it to someone who will just love it!!!” Just tell me that the sweater is a dud. I can handle an outright negative opinion. In this review, I actually like the look of the mixed material top but I really appreciate Sara’s forthrightness about the material feeling cheap.

As for Stitch Fix, I’ve had good and bad experiences. They’ve sent me some wonderful timeless items I’m wearing two years later and they’ve sent me boxes where I’ve hated everything. I had the best luck in the winter with sweaters, blazers, and long sleeve dress shirts. I’ve had the worst luck in the summer because everything they send me is either sleeveless, polyester, or both!

I agree about those maddening positive reviews where bloggers write about what geniuses their stylists are for picking out an ordinary piece of clothing. Or they will talk about making an item work even though they don’t like the color or style. Hey, just buy something online that you like! No one who sees you is going to know that your “stylist” dressed you like some celebrity anyway. I do enjoy an honest review like this.

Uneven hem and full price (yes I know keep all get discount, but who wants to keep all if it’s wonky)? It’s one thing to buy irregular at a huge discount where it’s OK to put up with that type of quality issue, but that’s vexing for full price.

I love when you said, “and it all went down hill from here. “Honest and amazing real and I feel I don’t see enough of that. Or when I say something or ask a question I never ever get a comment back ever, well from readers like myself….
Anyhow I won a 350 dollar Stitch Fix qiftcard which is really cool. I don’t think I would ever of signed up normally. I don’t normally see to many things I really love that is sent out to subscribers and that scares me even more. I did emsil them and asked if I could have idea of the stylists and their style because in my eyes that could help ALOT if you got set up with someone who loves bogo as well. They sent me back an email saying everyone knows their job and style all kinds of people young and old and so on… And also that if I didn’t like my stylist and it may take me sometime to find the right one… And as I see it is 20 dollars down the drain. And as I’m here reading I’m getting really worried.. I was straight forward though… I want skinny jeans, tunics, big purse, boots and earrings so it’s in gods hands now…. Lol. Kidding…. Skinny jeans should be easy from what I read.. 😂

I thought you looked cute in everything. I even liked the black mixed media top and it’s the only style my body type would be okay in out of all the pieces. But the pattern on the midi skirt reminds me of an optical illusion test.

Agree with other comments — thank you for being honest in your reviews and for actually saying when you DON’T like something… It’s impossible IMO for reviewers to love everything in every box 100% of the time. It’s very fake. Your honest and real reviews are very refreshing… Keep it up!

I watched an interesting video by Forbes magazine on youtube about how Stitch Fix works. The computer algorithms do all the work from the answers you give on your profile questions. Then it sends a grouping of clothing items to your stylist and they pick from that. The stylists aren’t actually going through a warehouse of clothing personally choosing items for you from hundreds of choices. I’m sure Wantable works the same way.

I’m getting my second Stitch Fix box this month. I kept two summer tops out of the first box I received. I would have never even tried those tops on in a store if I were out shopping so I consider that quite a win for a first box. I’m anxious to see how the next one works out. I do love the experience of these clothing sub boxes in general though. I get Stitch Fix and Wantables.

I think most of this stuff looks like something my grandmother would wear and those jeggings look like 1st trimester maternity pants. Is the hem of the red blouse meant to be uneven? I would think for $64, if it wasn’t, then Stitch Fix would have better quality control on what they are sending out.

With that being said, with all the clothing subs, this one does seem to be the best value due to the 25% discount. I’ve been following Haley’s, I think, Fixes which usually have cute stuff in them and this sub would be the one I would want to try first. Hopefully your selections will get better.

I am getting ready to cancel my Stitch Fix. I have had 5 so far. Only one time did I keep everything they sent. And the reason I did that was because I would be paying less that way then if I sent back the things I didn’t like. They give you a 20% discount if you keep all 5 items. And I asked for that same stylist again because she was the only one who even came close to my taste but she was unavailable. And ever since nothing has been remotely close to what I like. I give feedback and post on Pinterst but I don’t think they check it. So personally it is time to move on. I hope you have better success with your fixes.

I am loving your clothing reviews! Those shoes you wore with the skirt are adorable. I agree, I don’t think I would be able to do pull-on jeans, and I do have a few pairs (Henry & Belle, I’m looking at you) that have faux pockets in the front and I hate it.

I haven’t had much luck with Stitch Fix, but I am trying. The customer service is excellent. I am getting a re-do of my recent fix because I requested a certain stylist and received someone else instead. Their clothing is rather pricy, which is a problem, though. I have found so far, that everything fits me perfectly, at least. Now, I just need to find something that can justify the price tags. I loved a pair of leggings, but they were $48. I have to admit, I’m better off going up the street to my local thrift shop that carries nice clothing at reasonable prices.

I like the red blouse and skirt and would totally wear that. Unfortunately, when I had Stitch Fix, they NEVER sent me stuff like that. They seemed to think I was averse to color. Even though I begged for color every time I left feedback. Once they actually told me it was difficult to find bright garments in winter! (They paid literally 0 attention to my Pinterest board. I never got any garments that even remotely resembled anything I had pinned.)

(Or else they would’ve sent me the red blouse and skirt, but in a size that was totally inappropriate — most of the items they sent me were far too big. I was once able to put on a dress they sent OVER what I already had on, and it was still loose!)

As for pants with elastic waist and no button/zipper fly: get used to it. That is like all they have. I once requested black pants with a normal fly (and no elastic) and they actually said they COULD NOT find anything like that.

I never did chat with anyone directly. Probably for the best. I was usually pretty angry after receiving a Stitch Fix box and I’m not sure a conversation with me in such a state would’ve been productive. I wanted work outfits and everything they sent was either way too casual (t-shirt material) or too formal (something that looked like a cocktail dress!) or outerwear (even though I requested none). Plus the sizing and color and pants issues.

I kept one dress out of three shipments. I have a $20 credit there due to my dissatisfaction but I don’t even want to use it.

For what it’s worth, CS thanked me for leaving extensive comments, though it seems the stylists ignored those.

You know, it’s funny. My friend had the exact same issue with them. She said she didn’t want any bulky sweaters and skinny jeans after she received several in her first box and then received a bunch more in her second box. They also couldn’t figure out what her size was. She wears a 6-8, so I’m not sure why it was difficult. She was really mad and I felt like a bozo for recommending them.

My fixes have been very hot and cold. I was also told it was hard to find pants that weren’t “skinny”. I hardly ever get bottoms. It’s like they’re opposed to structured pants. I get the same stylist all the time. There’s actually a note on my file. The one time someone else styled me it was a real mess. Not one thing fit and it was all pretty hideous. I’m pretty disappointed with them on the whole. The quality just isn’t there for the prices they charge.

Jillian, you are right. They are so overpriced. I really wanted to love Stitch Fix, I mean, how cool is it to have clothing arrive at your doorstep? The returns are easy because my post office is up the street, too. But the prices are ridiculous. I once bought a $68 dress from them because it fit so perfectly, but had I seen it in a store with that price tag, I would have passed it by.

RaganMarch 3, 2017 at 2:43 pm

“Skinny” pants never fit me. They are OK at the hips and gape out at the waist and in the back. Or they sag so low I would need a rear end the size of Kim K’s to fill it out. Mind you, this is for the exact same size that would fit perfectly in fitted/structured pants. Something about the stretchiness 100% ruins the fit.

Also Stitch Fix had this thing about sending me pants for someone who is like 5’10” (which I most definitely am not). No thanks, I don’t want to wear 5 inch heels just so I can walk without my pants dragging on the ground.

JessicaMarch 3, 2017 at 11:18 am

Emily–I love your sense of style, even though it’s very different from mine. I think your picks are distinctive, cool, and edgy without trying too hard. It might take a stylist a while to narrow in on your style. Or maybe Stitch Fix will never be a great fit, because their pieces have to be somewhat less distinctive to appeal to a wider audience. Either way, your reviews are helpful and it’s always a treat to read them!